Updating of the environmental authorization rules : THE QUÉBEC MINING ASSOCIATION SUPPORTS THE DECISION TO CONTINUE WORK ON REGULATIONS TO REFLECT THE ISSUES
19/07/2018
Québec City, July 19, 2018 – The Québec Mining Association (QMA) notes the decision by the Minister of Sustainable Development, the Environment and the Fight Against Climate Change, Isabelle Melançon, to postpone the coming into force of the new regulations under the Environment Quality Act scheduled for December 1, 2018. It considers that this is the right and a responsible decision, since it will allow consultations with stakeholders to continue in order to adapt the regulations more closely to the issues faced by various industries.
The QMA's analysis of the various draft regulations tabled by the government shows that the objective of modernizing the Act through regulatory and administrative streamlining was not met. A cumbersome and complex environmental authorization process was maintained for the mining sector.
"We have always said that the changes proposed to modernize the Act would make the environmental authorization process even more unwieldy and increase the administrative burden, and we have made many comments to this effect. The postponement announced by the Minister shows that she is willing to work with partners, including the QMA, and we can only hope that the new versions of the regulations will facilitate the work of our members," says Josée Méthot, the QMA's president and CEO.
The Québec Mining Association reiterates its willingness to work with the government, in particular by participating in the joint sectoral tables announced by the Minister, in order to define regulations that promote mineral development while ensuring respect for people and the environment.
About the Québec Mining Association
The Québec Mining Association (QMA) was founded in 1936 and speaks proactively for mining companies involved in exploration, extraction and processing, mining contractors and junior mining companies, along with suppliers, institutions, non-profit organizations and other mining sector partners. It is proud of the 45,550 jobs and total expenditure of almost $6 billion generated by Québec's mining industry. The QMA’s mission is to promote, support and proactively develop a responsible, committed and innovative mining industry in Québec.